LUCKNOW, May 8 -- Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has approved the proposals for projects worth more than Rs 500 crore that aim to upgrade civic infrastructure, improve air quality, strengthen waste management, and prepare the city for monsoon. A standing committee meeting, that was chaired by mayor Sushma Kharakwal here on Wednesday, cleared the proposals under the 15th Finance Commission, the Infrastructure Fund, the Smart City Mission, and the Chief Minister's Urban Development Schemes, stated an LMC press release on Wednesday. To avoid waterlogging, the mayor directed all chief engineers and zonal officers to complete ongoing drain cleaning work by June 26. To reduce air pollution, the committee approved Rs 64.50 crore projects under the 15th Finance Commission. Of this, Rs 35.45 crore will go towards repairing damaged roads and laying interlocking tiles. Another Rs 7 crore will be used to install anti-smog guns and set up construction and demolition (C&D) waste collection centres. LMC will spend Rs 1 crore on fountains at major intersections, Rs 11.05 crore on beautifying parks and creating an urban forest, and Rs 9 crore on geofencing of encroachment-free lands for better land monitoring. The city's solid waste management system will also see a major upgrade with Rs 173 crore sanctioned for 25 new projects. These include fresh waste disposal at the Shivri plant, setting up transfer stations, procurement of new machinery, and improvements in the drinking water supply network. The mayor instructed departments to ensure timely completion and maintain high-quality standards across all approved works. Additionally, under the Rs 160 crore Infrastructure Fund, the civic body will take up 17 major projects. These include cleaning of Kathauta and Bharwara lakes, road and drain repairs, construction of new drainage systems, development of Kalyan Mandaps, installation of streetlights, electrification works, and creation of vending zones, flood pumping stations, and sports facilities beneath flyovers, press release stated....